LEADING BOXERS TO TURN PRO AFTER FORMATION OF IBC
A source revealed to this paper that a good number of top Indian boxers are unhappy with the way Boxing India functions and feel their careers are in jeopardy.
The launch of the Indian Boxing Council ( IBC) on Wednesday is likely to see some big names joining the professional ranks. IBC is likely to open doors for some of the amateur Indian boxers who have been facing a doubtful future ahead with the infighting in Boxing India.
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian on the condition of anonymity, an official of the Boxing India (BI) said that some big national starts will be following the steps of Vijender Singh to the pro ranks. “I can tell you for certain that in the coming days more reputed boxers are going to join the ranks of Boxing India,” said the official.
When asked who the identity of these boxers, the official said he could not reveal their names now. “Right now, I am not in a position to reveal the names of these boxers. But you will soon come to know about their identities in the coming days,” he said.
He also said that a couple of India’s leading boxers are not at all happy with the conditions prevalent in the Boxing India. “These two boxers are very concerned about their future and also the fact that there Boxing India is a divided house. These boxers feel that their future is in jeopardy,” the official said.
A leading boxer, who has participated for India in international tournaments, said, “The way things are going, our future is bleak. Unless we have clarity and a clear road map ahead the boxers will be sceptical about what to do next. Boxing India has led us into darkness and as a boxer I am apprehensive about my future. The government will have to step in and ensure that the squabbles within BI is put to an end,” he said.
Former Indian Amateur Boxing Federation Secretary General Brig. PK Muralidharan Raja, who conceptu- alised the body, was named IBC’s first president with Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS) being its first marketing arm.
IOS came into limelight after facilitating Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh’s switch to the professional circuit by fetching him a deal with the UK- based Queensberry Promotions.
“It is a new beginning in Indian boxing. IBC will ensure that boxers can explore the professional option after getting done with their amateur career. The international pro rules rules call for the boxers to be 18-plus but we are setting the age bar at 23 for now because the concept is new in India,” Raja said at the launch.
The boxers who decide to sign up with IBC would be guaranteed a minimum of four fights in a year and Rs 6 lakh as the basic winners’ prize purse.
On his part, Neerav Tomar, the IOS CEO who was named the Chairman of IBC’s commercial wing, said the prize money will go up depending on the stature of the boxer.
“It is like making a movie, promoters are the producers, the boxers are the stars. Our job is to bring in promoters and how many come along would depend on the stardom of the boxer. IBC will provide us with the raw material, they will give us the boxers and then we will put on the show by having multiple promoters on board,” he said.
The IBC will hold bouts for the national title, the winners of which will progress to the world rounds.
“The boxer will get 70 per cent of the earnings, while his coach will get 30 per cent of it. The profit from the bout will go to the promoters. So, it is a win-win situation for everybody,” Raja said.